How to Use a Safety Squat Bar

[@TheUpTownFan]

I have a safety squat bar myself. I had a shoulder surgery which limits my external rotation so this thing is a game changer. I recommend it to anyone who's dealing with shoulder issues Good stuff as always.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@AnabolicAliens]

I've never used the safety bar before, definitely gotta try it out sometime!

[@BasementBrandon]

Def a good way to mix it up!

[@Hammerhead1986]

Literally in the middle of an ssb sesh just now and this video really helped with bar position. Thanks man

[@BasementBrandon]

Awesome to hear!

[@BalancedBodybuilding]

Good timing. EliteFTS SSB's are on sale for $290 with free shipping this week. Just picked one up.

[@BasementBrandon]

Wish I got mine at that price!

[@MarkOzurovich]

Just got my safety squat bar in yesterday...talk about perfect timing, thank you so much for the informative video, you just saved me hours of grief searching KZbin for this type of info

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah all those years of me stalking you finally paid off.

[@JONES534]

2 things...the safety bar squat bar when it first came out, their was a special power rack you used it with. the power rack had handles you held on to while you squatted. The bar was used for overloads, and the power rack handles were used to help you pull yourself up while using 100+% squats. the pads and bar were made that way to stay in place while you held on to the rack handles. secondly, the way you are using it (which there is nothing wrong with it), is similar to Dave Draper's top squat (video available on you tube). you might want to watch the video to see how he recommends using the top squat. keep the videos coming...

[@JONES534]

illiteracy hit me...it should be "there", not "their" in the first line

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think what you're referring to are commonly known as Hatfield squats after "Dr. Squat" Fredrick Hatfield. I thought about showing those here as I can use my pins as makeshift handles, but figured I'd save that for another video!

[@Alvsmondares]

Makes sense... should feel easier than a front squat, but harder than a high bar squat IMO.

[@59noah]

Hi

[@Alvsmondares]

raynal beads there's my MVP... Most Valuable Pervert!

[@ErikBrabantsPianist]

liking this brandon campbell - am training back n forth youtube love

[@Alvsmondares]

Erik Brabants that's what KZbin is all about brother! Embracing each other's differences and embracing each other's ass cheeks...

[@BasementBrandon]

Still waiting for the joke.

[@ross4475]

I like these without the neck pad. I find the shift in center of gravity without the pad helps stabilize the bar while placing more emphasis on the quads. The downside is that it puts more pressure on the lower back. Pushing the handles up slightly at the end of the your decent can help alleviate this somewhat.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@TheSwoleNurse]

Great tips! I love using these bars in my training. You can really load the weight with some heavy box squats using this bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

Have been enjoying it!

[@McKinleyGriggs]

I wish our gym had one of those so I can stop being choked out by front squats!

[@0matty]

McKinley Griggs, just remember if you ain't choking you ain't trying hard enough

[@McKinleyGriggs]

hmm have to keep that in mind! lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha been there done that!

[@ALEXETA10]

Thanks man, im in between sets here and almost gave up the weight but this has helped me continue 👍🏻

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@COBa7x1]

Finaly going all out with the compression pants? I've being waiting for this forever

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah once in a blue moon

[@MrPotatoesLatkie]

What type of squat should I use with this bar? It seems to be the high bar squat. Some people claim it can be used for a low bar squat by pushing up on the handle a bit, but that get's the bar out of it's natural position on your shoulders. I've tried it, and it became less comfortable using for a low bar squat as the weight on the bar increased. I later decided to use the high bar squat, and it seems to be fine.

[@BasementBrandon]

I just look at it as a SSB squat. So I usually do this as a variation compared to a regular comp squat (high or low bar)

[@MrPotatoesLatkie]

@@BasementBrandon I'll study it, and start back.

[@thechairman74]

I've also seen the no handle cambered bar, that Mark Bell has used. Not sure if it's a deeper camber or not.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah if it's the one I'm thinking of the camber is exaggerated and works as handles

[@thechairman74]

Brandon Campbell Yeah you're probably right about that.

[@thepowerliftingprofessor]

I've never use one of these before but definitely wanna try for the future, definitely solid tips for when that day comes

[@BasementBrandon]

Been enjoying it so far!

[@ThePowerhouseHD]

What about box squatting with the SS bar? I've been told plenty of times that you're supposed to (with or without a box) never bring your knees past your toes or change your shin angle when doing safety squat bar squats.

[@BasementBrandon]

When doing box squats the goal should be to sit back on to the box, so it would make sense for your knees to not go forward, however if you're not using a box, that doesn't really apply, depending on how you squat.

[@docmansound1]

Brandon I have a video on my channel explaining how to dump the SSB if you ever get stuck. You have to do it over your head Real get seriously jacked up

[@BasementBrandon]

Ugh that doesn't look fun. I tend to dump forward as is based off how I squat and where I have my safeties, so glad to see I could do the same here. Never really thought about it!

[@dariengoddard4286]

if pulling down on the handles makes the lift easier - do you recommend pulling down if you feel you are gettting stuck in a rep? to push through

[@BasementBrandon]

You def can.

[@downwardspiral3252]

Great review...looking at the Elite FTS or the Rogue. Seems like the Elite has the stiffer/more durable padding. Do you have a preference?

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think you'll find most people who have tried both go Elite for that reason. Not to mention they have consistent sales

[@downwardspiral3252]

Sounds good. Thanks for the reply. I'll keep my eye out for a good sale. BTW, Really like the style and presentation in your videos.

[@Grossman77]

Always great content buddy. One of the few KZbin channels I still watch consistently.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Ryan!

[@BigBADArt89]

thanks for the review. I see a lot of people cranking on the handles when they're coming out the hole. i was watching old westside videos and none of them crank off the handles. would cranking be sort of "cheating" per say?

[@BasementBrandon]

Def makes it easier!

[@iSeven1000]

Great video, Brandon. Very informative, thanks alot!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@HaarisMajidTraining1]

Wow an actual helpful vid on KZbin! I didn't know what to do with my hands, now I do!

[@BasementBrandon]

I forgot to throw in, "buy my stuff"

[@rickviramontes2317]

Is this the closest alternative to a Front Squat? Front Squat is extremely uncomfortable for me no matter where the bar is placed. I've even tried Straps, but that's not natural feeling. If this makes the Squat more Quad dominant as Front Squatting does, I may add this to my Speciality Bar collection.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd say it's pretty close. Can also do things like goblet squats if you have access to KB or DB

[@andie_pl]

EliteFTS just put this bar on sale! Thanks for the tips Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Perfect timing!

[@MrFreitasrobert]

Hey Brandon have you used the Titan safety squat bar? I heard it's actually a good bar for a Titan product. I have never owned any of them and money is tight. Just wanted your perspective. Thanks.

[@BasementBrandon]

The V2 is good (the V1 was awful).

[@MrFreitasrobert]

@@BasementBrandon thanks brother. Appreciate it

[@HeathWatts]

Thanks for making this video. Do you retract your scapula to tighten your traps, or do you relax your shoulders when placing the bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Shoulders are generally relaxed

[@HeathWatts]

Thanks.

[@freakied0550]

Most useful bar most people aren't using IMO.

[@BasementBrandon]

I usually prefer my bars to have whiskey, but I made an exception in this case.

[@freakied0550]

Brandon Campbell ba tum tsss

[@mach5jeep]

I like them because i can set the front higher than the rear. This way, if I have to bail on a squat, the bar will hit the straps and roll to the rear of the rack away from me.

[@proto74]

I do notice that on the safety bar I have to shift my elbows out to avoid hitting my knees in the bottom position. Does this matter? I see some guys with shorter limbs don't seem to have this issue.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't believe so

[@jvz1448]

Heard this bar is absolutely brutal on the core. (In a good way). Thinking about getting one myself

[@BasementBrandon]

Been enjoying it!

[@SyndicatedCrew]

Ayo Big Daddy Campbell, serious question. Any advice for someone who's considering moving to a different state or even another country? Idk if I'm "loving" NJ. Been here most of my life and work here so idk anything else

[@BasementBrandon]

SyndicatedCrew if you can do it, do it. You might realize what you've been missing, or you might realize how good you had it and will enjoy it more once you're back.

[@SyndicatedCrew]

Brandon Campbell Thank you, my good sir. I'll definitely think of that when I'm doing a "pro vs con" list. The company I work for has an office 45mins from LA so I was considering asking to be transferred there. I'm young so might as well adventure

[@nolenlifts4661]

Wouldn't you want to push up on the handles a bit to make the lift harder and more demanding on the upper back and core

[@BasementBrandon]

Nope!

[@gjmjblevins]

Well said B! Blessings

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my man

[@christiandehlinger3731]

I wish there was a way to keep the weights with a lower center and handles forward. -CD

[@BasementBrandon]

True!

[@christiandehlinger3731]

It would just have to be "keyed" so there there groove & key or teeth so that you could clamp the handles where you want them. -CD

[@IvanKrappenchitz]

I get trap pain when I use it and it seems to be uneven when I squat, should I place the pad lower? I keep it high up but not on my neck.

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd try to play with the positioning and see where the bar feels the most secure causes the least amount of discomfort.

[@kekistani2373]

place it lower and push the handles up when you get in the hole. Donny Thompson has tips and you can watch this instagram.com/p/BM0utbsA4Sf/

[@JakeVasapolli]

Well done video. If you wanna have some fun, try flipping it around and doing front squats with the bar in front of you.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def have done that!

[@julienlaurent2748]

nice video. What do you think about the bow bar ? Im kinda hesitate between those two ... thanks.

[@BasementBrandon]

You mean like a buffalo or duffalo bar?

[@julienlaurent2748]

Brandon Campbell Diamond Yes exactly.

[@BasementBrandon]

I've used the duffalo bar and liked it a lot, just very expensive. If you want to use it for benching as well though, you can't use the EliteSSB for that.

[@mattialosa5207]

Hi Brandon, what do you think about using the ssb in the opposite verse, in order to increase even more quads emphasis?

[@BasementBrandon]

Might be able to

[@beccaf1234]

What would you do if your elbows hit your knees at the bottom of the squat?

[@BasementBrandon]

keep them out.

[@username6333]

why would someone want to use this over the regular bar? Is this just safer or does this work your quads more?

[@MsquaredFTW]

Catch 22 works upper back more

[@davidstinnerff1776]

It is generally easier to hold so in case you have shoulder problems this can be pretty helpful.

[@BasementBrandon]

Mainly to relieve stress on shoulder joints, but also changes the emphasis of the lift to emulate more of a front squat (while making overloading easier).

[@tyrant7290]

Brian Shaw also pointed out it will most certainly increase your deadlift as well

[@Pler1978]

Easier on the elbows for sure as well.

[@Ileumn]

May I ask why you use those strap looking things instead of safety bars? I have never seen anyone else use those.

[@TheWolffBro]

You'll see them at a lot of high level powerlifting gyms. They've got like 10000lb ( estimate from a recollection) strength, and they won't damage a bar in the same way a safety bar would by having two hard surfaces collide.

[@BasementBrandon]

What Wolff Bro said.

[@dlroto]

Just ordered one flash sales are great. What collar are you using with this bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

I end up using my older Lock Jaw Elites. The newer ones don't work as well for some reason.

[@dlroto]

Brandon Campbell Diamond thanks man I just ordered the rogue axle collars

[@jimfoster2909]

do you like that better that doing a front squat

[@BasementBrandon]

I do b/c I can't use an olympic grip on them and this lets me load more weight.

[@JFern-z6r]

That was a excellent demonstration. Simple enough. Thanks !

[@BasementBrandon]

Sure thing

[@tanneranderson6758]

Hey has anyone tried the leistung 16 weightlifting shoes? Any pros or cons compared to the adipowers or romeleos

[@BasementBrandon]

I haven't

[@ErikBrabantsPianist]

Saw you use this in the last video an hour ago, wondered what it was actually for, too lazy to look it up, then this pops up.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hahah good timing.

[@khloesunboxing1128]

thank you for this. im buying a ssb soon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on, they're on sale now!

[@SinnedNogara]

Ever tried the SSB front squat?

[@BasementBrandon]

I have!

[@ElefitTV]

2:15 Hollywood production

[@BasementBrandon]

lol my poverty editing

[@Awise-vt4kb]

Thank You Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

No problem!

[@Neiydaa]

Is the safety bar squat easier than the regular bar?

[@BasementBrandon]

Nope!

[@monkeythief5]

How does it feel on the knees? Thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

I think this depends on your stance and how knees track

[@monkeythief5]

Brandon Campbell Diamond Thanks for the reply! I ended up getting a safety squat bar!

[@jl3laze86]

I feel like the safety squat bar for squats is similar to the trap bar for deadlifts

[@BasementBrandon]

exact opposite IMO, SSB makes the lift harder, trap bar makes it easier.

[@jl3laze86]

Wait, you’re right lol

[@Pler1978]

Why did you get the elitefts vs the rogue... Seems like a bit more complaints for this... Than most rogue products but I'm reluctant to deal with elitefts if the rogue bar is comparable.

[@BasementBrandon]

As most people will tell you, Rogues padding is not as good as Elites. Elite also frequently has sales on their bar.

[@Pler1978]

Got the rogue the pad is fine. If you can handle squatting without a pad on regular bar then the rogue bar will be fine. Very happy witb the bar. They could offer replacement thicker pads for those that want it though.

[@Pler1978]

@@BasementBrandon I just got the elite and your right the paddling is quite a bit thicker. Very noticeable difference. The rogue is also 70 lbs... Very noticeable weight difference

[@powskier]

Is it harder to rack?

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't find it to be the case.

[@MrShysterme]

It depends on the rack. At my gym, yes is is more difficult to rack when walking backward to rack. I have to use the mirror to do it.

[@DaveLotito]

Great video man!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks dude

[@Nemesis093781]

Thank you for the good video, thumbs up.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Troy!

[@A_Concerned_Citizen]

I see you filling those half sleeves up homie

[@BasementBrandon]

lol not this lil guy

[@VilinKehayov]

very informative !

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope it helped!

[@dlroto]

Brandon are you a stargate fan? Sick Tats

[@BasementBrandon]

I saw the movie but can't say I've seen the show

[@dlroto]

Brandon Campbell Diamond yeah the movie was awesome but the show was lackluster. Your Egyptian designs are awesome and they reminded me of the movie Stargate.

[@pharmpig]

so is this bar better than regular bar? I used it today and it was quite different.

[@BasementBrandon]

It has it's pros/cons

[@RorroFort]

any collab soon?

[@BasementBrandon]

Might be doing something in January down in TX

[@TheAltSoul]

Hello Mr. Campbell. I was wondering does the safety squat bar have any effect on my squat if I dont wear tights with a crosshair directly on my anus?

[@BasementBrandon]

One way to find out!

[@Milkproof]

a+ content

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciated

[@angelopeiris]

Gave a Sub bcz of this great video 👍😉

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks man

[@nicothechihuahua]

brandon, how much did you squat after a year of lifting? if you dont remember, ask the bar, it never lies lololololo serious question tho

[@BasementBrandon]

Don't know, didn't really squat!

[@user-fl5lr1nm5v]

Tops!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@adaptone9777]

I think you built your home gym just so you could wear leggings.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@jessemagnus997]

@@BasementBrandon Your wife doesn't mind you wearing her leggings?

[@toladep]

Remember when this guy made fun of chewning and his company for no reason and now max is at nearly 200k subs & self employed? You're welcome for giving you this one view, might help you break 5k a video.

[@BasementBrandon]

If I had a shitty job I'd probably want to quit too.

[@ryankueter8396]

Delato Brandon is way more entertaining to watch

[@StrengthAesthetics1]

Wait one minute... Did no one else notice Brandon wearing full-length leggings?

[@BasementBrandon]

Ha I do on occasion, mostly when I don't plan on filming.

[@bbrockRailFan]

For all the weight allot of the younger guys squat their legs look skinny, Its obvious their workouts are not working or its not building much mass. Probably too many low rep sets. Anything less than 6 reps is bullshit. I think I could go get a guy that does nothing but Mountain Biking and his legs would look bigger than most guys legs. A common site is a 20ish year old 6 foot guy wearing knee sleeves squatting 500lbs for singles and he still looks like a runner.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@PistolPeteLee]

Tights alone AGAIN?! Calm down Papa Campbell!

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol, often times I don't plan on filming this day.

[@Varone26]

Brandon wearing bare leggings with no shorts?? welcome to the dark side.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hah every now and then have to let em breathe.

[@59noah]

Love and hate this bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

I feel ya there!